Obama Declares Victory for Americans on Health Care
President Barack Obama declared a victory for Americans on health care and for “common sense” in a speech late Sunday at the White House. “This is what change looks like,” Obama said, following the 219-212 vote in the House of Representatives in support of the Senate health-care bill.
“Tonight’s vote is not a victory for any one party,” the president said. “It’s a victory for the American people. And it’s a victory for common sense.”
Obama said the historic vote answered the prayers of everyday people looking for something that works more for them than for insurance companies. This includes a parent of a child with a chronic illness to small businesses trying to provide coverage for employees.
The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature, and then the Senate is to debate on a separate reconciliation package of legislative changes this week.
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., called health reform the “Civil Right Act of the 21st century” in a statement just after midnight. “We took a giant step toward the establishment of a more perfect union,” the House Majority Whip said.
Obama said that health-care reform “will reduce our deficit by more than $100 billion over the next decade, and more than $1 trillion in the decade after that.” Employees can maintain their insurance coverage under the new plan. Provisions include:
- Lowering prescription drug prices for the elderly
- Providing coverage for dependents until the age of 26
- Offering protection for uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions.
“The work of revitalizing our economy goes on,” Obama said. “The work of promoting private sector job creation goes on. The work of putting American families’ dreams back within reach goes on. And we march on, with renewed confidence, energized by this victory on their behalf.”
“In the end, what this day represents is another stone firmly laid in the foundation of the American Dream.”
President Barack Obama, above, and Vice President Joe Biden celebrate historic passage of health-care reform.
—Photo by Pete Souza/White House
Also see:
- Top 10 Immediate Benefits
- What Obama’s Plan Means for You by Heart & Soul contributing editor Sheree Crute.
